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The methods I use range from
fully authentic to combinations of modern and authentic methods. The goal
of this site is to present my work, capture people's interest in the ancient
crafts and the cultures that performed them. as well as giving inspiration
and ideas to people involved in living history, or modern craftsmen and
artists. For the time being, the information is rather sparse due
to time costraints. However, for questions I can be reached at:
In order to get an impression of the equipement I use, check the casting and forging pages.
Mind that this is playing with fire, so potentially very dangerous! If you want to start casting or forging, check out these safety tips.
If you need artifacts for re-enactment,
or just out of interest I now also offer castings for sale: Reproductions
for sale
Bronze age
2000-800 B.C.
The bronze age is my main interest. I'm running a seperate site for my work in this period.
Since recently, I've also started making reproductions of bronzes outside of Europe. Some of these can be seen below.
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blade by Neil Burridge |
Original: Nijmegen, Netherlaneds, 16th-15nd cent. B.C. |
The Hallstatt period spans
roughly the first half of the iron age. The Hallstatt culture spread the
use of iron throughout Europe. During this period, both iron and bronze
were used side by side. The Hallstatt period is named after the place Hallstatt
in Austria, where due to the salt and iron mines, the local people became
very wealthy. In the rest of Europe, graves of similarly rich Hallstatt
"kings" have also been found. One such example is the king of Oss, a very
rich Hallstatt grave found in the Netherlands.
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The transition from the Hallstatt
to La Tene period marks the end of the Hallstatt kings. By this time, iron
had completely replaced bronze, and bronze was only used for ornaments.
The La Tene people had a very different material culture from the Hallstatt
period, with a very unique style of artwork. The end of the La Tene period
is marked by the conquest of the Romans.
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As you may see from the lack
of the Roman period, I'm not particularly keen of the Romans, including
their material culture. However, after they buggered off, things start
to get interesting again. During the next few centuries, some of the most
incredible metalwork was produced.
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(Original in silver, with garnet eye) |
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600-650AD Netherlands |
600-650AD Germany |
700-800AD Netherlands |
The crafts of the early medieval
period were continued for the most part in the Viking period, though with
some decline however. Still some amazing pieces of craftmanship were made
during this period.
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(Honey lane type) 800-1100AD UK |
(Honey lane type) 800-1100AD UK |
This are some projects which
have no direct historical basis, or not meant to be actual reproductions.
Nevertheless, I use a lot of the knowledge and skills from the historical
reproductions. Sometimes these comtemporary pieces also function to experiment
with new techniques.
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Antler and hazel hilt |
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Inca axe shaped hanger |